Tennis Training Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A tennis training apparatus suspends a tennis ball in the air to allow a player to practice striking the ball with a tennis racquet. The apparatus includes a tennis ball with a first magnetic element integrally and non-removably coupled to the tennis ball. The tennis ball includes an outer layer, an inner core and an intermediate layer positioned between the outer layer and the inner core. A panel is provided. A magnet is coupled to the panel. The first magnetic element of the tennis ball is positionable adjacent to and magnetically attractable to the magnet wherein the tennis ball is releasably couplable to the magnet. A support assembly is coupled to the panel. The support assembly is configured to support the panel above a ground surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure relates to sports training devices and more particularly pertains to a new sports training device for suspending a tennis ball in the air to allow a player to practice striking the ball with a tennis racquet.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

An embodiment of the disclosure meets the needs presented above by generally comprising a tennis ball with a first magnetic element integrally and non-removably coupled to the tennis ball. The tennis ball includes an outer layer, an inner core and an intermediate layer positioned between the outer layer and the inner core. A panel is provided. A magnet is coupled to the panel. The first magnetic element of the tennis ball is positionable adjacent to and magnetically attractable to the magnet wherein the tennis ball is releasably couplable to the magnet. A support assembly is coupled to the panel. The support assembly is configured to support the panel above a ground surface.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the disclosure in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

The objects of the disclosure, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the disclosure, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top front side perspective view of a tennis training apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a back view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the disclosure taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an in-use side view of an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a tennis ball of an embodiment of the disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 6 thereof, a new sports training device embodying the principles and concepts of an embodiment of the disclosure and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6, the tennis training apparatus 10 generally comprises a tennis ball 12 that includes a first magnetic element 14 integrally and non-removably coupled to the tennis ball 12. The tennis ball 12 is generally conventional and includes an outer layer 16, an inner core 18 and an intermediate layer 20 positioned between the outer layer 16 and the inner core 18. Like conventional tennis balls, the outer layer 16 may comprise felt, while the intermediate layer 20 may comprise rubber. The first magnetic element 14 may comprise a metal strip 22 positioned between the outer layer 16 and the intermediate layer 20. More particularly, the metal strip 22 may have a circular perimeter edge. Indicia 26 is positioned on an outer surface 28 of the tennis ball 12. The indicia 26 is positioned proximate the first magnetic element 14 to visually identify a relative location of the first magnetic element 14 within the tennis ball 12.

A panel 30 has a top 32 and a bottom 34. A longitudinal axis of the panel 30 extends from the top 32 to the bottom 34 of the panel 30. The bottom 34 of the panel 30 may be slanted at an upward angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the panel 30. The top 32 of the panel 30 has a channel 36 positioned therein. The channel 36 extends from a first end 38 to a second end 40 of the top 32 of the panel 30. The panel 30 is be constructed from a durable material, such as metal or the like, that will allow the panel 30 to withstand being struck by the tennis ball 12 and/or a racquet 13.

A magnet 42 is coupled to the panel 30. The magnet 42 has an upper surface 44 and a lower surface 46. The upper surface 44 is coupled to the bottom 34 of the panel 30. The upper surface 44 is planar such that the magnet 42 may also be slanted at an upward angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the panel 30. The lower surface 46 is concavely arcuate wherein the lower surface 46 corresponds to a curvature of the outer surface 28 of the tennis ball 12 wherein the lower surface 46 is configured to receive the tennis ball 12 therein. The first magnetic element 14 of the tennis ball 12 is positionable adjacent to and magnetically attractable to the magnet 42 wherein the tennis ball 12 is releasably couplable to the magnet 42.

A support assembly 50 is coupled to the panel 30. The support assembly 50 is configured to support the panel 30 above a ground surface 48. The support assembly 50 includes a base support post 52 having an upper end 54 and a lower end 56. A plurality of legs 58 is coupled to and extends downwardly from the lower end 56 of the base support post 52. A plurality of casters 60 is provided. A bottom end 62 of each of the legs 58 has an associated one of the casters 60 coupled thereto. A plurality of brake tabs 64 is provided. Each of the brake tabs 64 is coupled to an associated one of the casters 60. Each of the brake tabs 64 is movable relative to the associated caster 60 wherein each brake tab 64 is selectively positionable to abut the associated caster 60 to inhibit swiveling and rotation of the associated caster 60. Thus, the brake tabs 64 selectively lock the casters 60 in place to prevent movement of the apparatus 10.

A rod 66 is coupled to the base support post 52. The rod 66 is slidably positioned within an opening 68 in the upper end 54 of the base support post 52. The rod 66 is telescopically received within the base support post 52 such that a height of the support assembly 50 is selectively adjustable. In particular, the rod 66 allows the apparatus 10 to have an adjustable height between approximately 152.0 centimeters and 275.0 centimeters. An arm 70 is coupled to the rod 66. The arm 70 extends through a void 72 in the rod 66 wherein the arm 70 is slidably positioned within the rod 66. The arm 70 has a distal end 74 with respect to the rod 66. The arm 70 is telescopically received within the rod 66 such that a distance between the rod 66 and the distal end 74 of the arm 70 is selectively adjustable. Thus, the arm 70 allows the apparatus 10 to have an adjustable length and in particular the arm 70 may have a length between approximately 106.0 centimeters and 152.0 centimeters. The panel 30 is coupled to the distal end 74 of the arm 70. A coupler 76 is extendable through the channel 36 in the top 32 of the panel 30 and through an opening 78 positioned in the distal end 74 of the arm 70. The coupler 76 selectively engages the panel 30 and the distal end 74 of the arm 70 wherein the coupler 76 releasably couples the panel 30 to the distal end 74 of the arm 70.

A first fastener 80 is extendable through a hole 82 positioned in the base support post 52 proximate the upper end 54 of the base support post 52. The first fastener 80 is generally conventional and includes a head 84 and a shaft 86. The first fastener 80 releasably couples the rod 66 to the base support post 52 wherein selective manipulation of the shaft 86 of the first fastener 80 within the hole 82 causes the shaft 86 of the first fastener 80 to frictionally engage an outer surface 88 of the rod 66 at a selectable location on the rod 66. The head 84 of the first fastener 80 and the hole 82 are complementarily threaded relative to each other. In this manner, the first fastener 80 creates a tension fit between the base support post 52 and the rod 66.

Similarly, a second fastener 90 is extendable through an aperture 92 positioned in the rod 66 proximate an upper end 94 of the rod 66. The second fastener 90 is generally conventional and includes a head 96 and a shaft 98. The second fastener 90 releasably couples the rod 66 to the arm 70 wherein selective manipulation of the shaft 98 of the second fastener 90 within the aperture 92 causes the shaft 98 of the second fastener 90 to frictionally engage an outer surface 100 of the arm 70 at a selectable location on the arm 70. The head 96 of the second fastener 90 and the aperture 92 are complementarily threaded relative to each other. In this manner, the second fastener 90 creates a tension fit between the rod 66 and the arm 70.

In use, as stated above and shown in the Figures, the arm 70 is slid relative to the rod 66 so that the distal end 74 of the arm 70 is positioned at a selectable location relative to the rod 66. The rod 66 is slid relative to the base support post 52 so that the apparatus 10 is positioned at a selectable height. The tennis ball 12 is releasably attached to the magnet 42 by positioning the first magnetic element 14 adjacent to the magnet 42. This allows the first magnetic element 14 to magnetically attract to the magnet 42 so that the tennis ball 12 is suspended from the panel 30. The indicia 26 assists a player in identifying the relative location of the first magnetic element 14 within the tennis ball 12 so that the player can more quickly and easily attach the tennis ball 12 to the magnet 42. The player then hits the tennis ball 12 with the racquet 13 to release the tennis ball 12 from the panel 30 and into the air. In this manner, the apparatus 10 allows the player to practice striking the tennis ball 12 without having to toss the tennis ball 12 into the air. Such allows the player to learn the particulars of how, when and where to properly hit the tennis ball 12.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of an embodiment enabled by the disclosure, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by an embodiment of the disclosure.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure. 

I claim:
 1. A tennis training apparatus comprising: a tennis ball including a first magnetic element integrally and non-removably coupled to said tennis ball, said tennis ball including an outer layer, an inner core and an intermediate layer positioned between said outer layer and said inner core; a panel; a magnet coupled to said panel, said first magnetic element of said tennis ball being positionable adjacent to and magnetically attractable to said magnet wherein said tennis ball is releasably couplable to said magnet; and a support assembly being coupled to said panel, said support assembly being configured to support said panel above a ground surface.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first magnetic element comprises a metal strip positioned between said outer layer and said intermediate layer.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising said metal strip having a circular perimeter edge.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising indicia positioned on an outer surface of said tennis ball, said indicia being positioned proximate said first magnetic element to visually identify a relative location of said first magnetic element within said tennis ball.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising said panel having a top and a bottom, a longitudinal axis of said panel extending from said top to said bottom of said panel, said bottom of said panel being slanted at an upward angle relative to said longitudinal axis of said panel.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising an upper surface of said magnet being coupled to said bottom of said panel, said upper surface being planar such that said magnet is slanted at an upward angle relative to said longitudinal axis of said panel.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a lower surface of said magnet being concavely arcuate wherein said lower surface corresponds to a curvature of an outer surface of said tennis ball wherein said lower surface is configured to receive said tennis ball therein.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, said support assembly including; a base support post; a rod coupled to said base support post; and an arm coupled to said rod, said arm having a distal end with respect to said rod, said panel being coupled to said distal end of said arm.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising; a plurality of legs coupled to and extending downwardly from a lower end of said base support post; and a plurality of casters, a bottom end of each of said legs having an associated one of said casters coupled thereto.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of brake tabs, each of said brake tabs being coupled to an associated one of said casters, each of said brake tabs being movable relative to said associated caster wherein each said brake tab is selectively positionable to abut said associated caster to inhibit swiveling and rotation of said associated caster.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising said rod being slidably positioned within an opening in an upper end of said base support post, said rod being telescopically received within said base support post such that a height of said support assembly is selectively adjustable.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a first fastener extendable through a hole positioned in said base support post proximate said upper end of said base support post, said first fastener releasably coupling said rod to said base support post.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising said first fastener including a head and a shaft wherein selective manipulation of said shaft of said first fastener within said hole causes said shaft of said first fastener to frictionally engage an outer surface of said rod at a selectable location on said rod, said head of said first fastener and said hole being complementarily threaded relative to each other.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising said arm extending through a void in said rod wherein said arm is slidably positioned within said rod, said arm being telescopically received within said rod such that a distance between said distal end of said arm and said rod is selectively adjustable.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a second fastener extendable through an aperture positioned in said rod proximate an upper end of said rod, said second fastener releasably coupling said rod to said arm.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising said second fastener including a head and a shaft wherein selective manipulation of said shaft of said second fastener within said aperture causes said shaft of said second fastener to frictionally engage an outer surface of said arm at a selectable location on said arm, said head of said second fastener and said aperture being complementarily threaded relative to each other.
 17. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising: a channel positioned in a top of said panel, said channel extending from a first end to a second end of said top of said panel; and a coupler extendable through said channel and through an opening positioned in said distal end of said arm, said coupler selectively engaging said panel and said distal end of said arm wherein said coupler releasably couples said panel to said distal end of said arm.
 18. A tennis training apparatus comprising: a tennis ball including a first magnetic element integrally and non-removably coupled to said tennis ball, said tennis ball including an outer layer, an inner core and an intermediate layer positioned between said outer layer and said inner core, said first magnetic element comprising a metal strip positioned between said outer layer and said intermediate layer, said metal strip having a circular perimeter edge; indicia positioned on an outer surface of said tennis ball, said indicia being positioned proximate said first magnetic element to visually identify a relative location of said first magnetic element within said tennis ball; a panel having a top and a bottom, a longitudinal axis of said panel extending from said top to said bottom of said panel, said bottom of said panel being slanted at an upward angle relative to said longitudinal axis of said panel, said top of said panel having a channel positioned therein, said channel extending from a first end to a second end of said top of said panel; a magnet coupled to said panel, said magnet having an upper surface and a lower surface, said upper surface being coupled to said bottom of said panel, said upper surface being planar such that said magnet is slanted at an upward angle relative to said longitudinal axis of said panel, said lower surface being concavely arcuate wherein said lower surface corresponds to a curvature of said outer surface of said tennis ball wherein said lower surface is configured to receive said tennis ball therein, said first magnetic element of said tennis ball being positionable adjacent to and magnetically attractable to said magnet wherein said tennis ball is releasably couplable to said magnet; and a support assembly being coupled to said panel, said support assembly being configured to support said panel above a ground surface, said support assembly including; a base support post having an upper end and a lower end; a plurality of legs coupled to and extending downwardly from said lower end of said base support post; a plurality of casters, a bottom end of each of said legs having an associated one of said casters coupled thereto; a plurality of brake tabs, each of said brake tabs being coupled to an associated one of said casters, each of said brake tabs being movable relative to said associated caster wherein each said brake tab is selectively positionable to abut said associated caster to inhibit swiveling and rotation of said associated caster; a rod coupled to said base support post, said rod being slidably positioned within an opening in said upper end of said base support post, said rod being telescopically received within said base support post such that a height of said support assembly is selectively adjustable; an arm coupled to said rod, said arm extending through a void in said rod wherein said arm is slidably positioned within said rod, said arm having a distal end with respect to said rod, said panel being coupled to said distal end of said arm, said arm being telescopically received within said rod such that a distance between said distal end of said arm and said rod is selectively adjustable; a first fastener extendable through a hole positioned in said base support post proximate said upper end of said base support post, said first fastener including a head and a shaft, said first fastener releasably coupling said rod to said base support post wherein selective manipulation of said shaft of said first fastener within said hole causes said shaft of said first fastener to frictionally engage an outer surface of said rod at a selectable location on said rod, each of said head of said first fastener and said hole being complementarily threaded relative to each other; a second fastener extendable through an aperture positioned in said rod proximate an upper end of said rod, said second fastener including a head and a shaft, said second fastener releasably coupling said rod to said arm wherein selective manipulation of said shaft of said second fastener within said aperture causes said shaft of said second fastener to frictionally engage an outer surface of said arm at a selectable location on said arm, each of said head of said second fastener and said aperture being complementarily threaded relative to each other; and a coupler extendable through said channel and through an opening positioned in said distal end of said arm, said coupler selectively engaging said panel and said distal end of said arm wherein said coupler releasably couples said panel to said distal end of said arm. 